AI Quarterly
Pictured (left to right): Charles Deringer, Executive Director of Authentic Impact and Pastor Daryl Bellar, Lead Pastor of Journey Church
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
August • September • October 2026
Charles Deringer, Authentic Impact Director | Bryan Simpkins, Authentic Impact Coordinator
Newsletter by Juliana R. Baxter
Journalist, Authentic Impact Team Member
_____________________________________________________________________
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” — Matthew 25:35
INITIATIVE FEATURE
One of the things I love most about Journey Church is that our faith doesn’t stop at the church doors. We believe the Gospel is meant to be lived, not just preached. Throughout His ministry, Jesus met people where they were, sharing truth, showing compassion, feeding the hungry, and loving those who felt forgotten. Authentic Impact was born from that same heart. As a separate nonprofit, it allows us to partner with businesses and organizations that otherwise couldn’t support a church, expanding our ability to serve our community. The heartbeat of Authentic Impact isn’t a website or a ministry name it’s the more than 100 volunteers who faithfully show up every Tuesday to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Every box of groceries, every smile, and every prayer reminds our neighbors they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. That’s the Gospel in action. -Darryl Bellar, Lead Pastor of Journey Church-
Help Us Fund a New Commercial Freezer - GOAL: $25,000
Every improvement at Authentic Impact allows us to serve morefamilies with excellence. That’s why we have launched a campaign to raise $25,000 for a new outdoor commercial freezer.
This addition will allow us to safely store more meat and bakery items while creating a more efficient workspace for our volunteers. Relocating the freezer outside frees valuable space inside our warehouse, improves food storage, eliminates condensation on the warehouse floor, and creates a safer, more organized environment.
Most importantly, this project will help us reach an important goal: providing four packages of meat in every food box. That’s enough to help sustain a family for an entire week.
Serving Nearly 1,200 Families Each Week
Every week, more families turn to Authentic Impact for food, hope, and encouragement, thanks to the faithfulness of our team members, donors, and community partners. When the ministry began, we distributed about 300 food boxes each week. As the need grew, so did our outreach, rising to 600, then 800, and now nearly 1,200 families served.
For the past three months, we’ve maintained that level, providing families with nutritious food and compassionate care. Behind every box is a story of hope, whether it’s a senior on a fixed income, a family facing hardship, or parents providing for their children. Every box represents more than food. It is a reminder that our community cares and that no one must face hard times alone.
Executive Director Charles Deringer reflected on this remarkable growth, saying, “You can see God blessing this Ministry.” Together, we celebrate what God has done and look forward to serving even more families with compassion, dignity, and the love of Christ.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
“This ministry is truly a blessing. Everyone here is loving, caring, and welcoming.” Marv M.,Jacksonville
Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet
Authentic Impact is honored to partner with Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet on the first Tuesday of every month. Guests enjoy a boutique-style shopping experience — choosing clean, stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, children, and babies, all provided with dignity and compassion.
Cormier Hair Studio & Yulee Volunteer Barbers
Every third Tuesday of the month, Cormier Hair Studio generously opens its chairs to our guests, offering free haircuts to families, seniors, and children in our community. Volunteer barbers join us from Yulee Barbers, Southend Barbers, and Westend Barbers — some of Nassau County’s most skilled hands, giving their time and talent to serve our neighbors.
Join Our Authentic Impact Team
Every week, Authentic Impact is blessed by a great Team who generously give their time, talents, and compassionate hearts to serve our community packing food boxes, stocking shelves, welcoming guests, sorting donations, and helping with special events.
You don’t need special skills, just a willing heart. Whether you can serve once a month or once a week, your time can make a lasting impact and a chance to build friendships and grow in faith alongside a caring team.
SAVE THE DATE
Fore Impact 2026 : Playing for a Greater Purpose 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament — Amelia River Club Monday, October 5th
Some golf tournaments are about competition. Fore Impact is about changing lives. Golfers, businesses, and community partners gathering to help provide fresh groceries and compassionate care to families across Nassau County. Registration is open through September 30th, 2026.